The National President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), Aliyu Maitasamu has said that the association has introduced the use of new ”mesh-bags” to reduce post harvest losses.
The new bag, which is also aimed at enhancing the packaging of onion, was unveiled to members in Sokoto on Monday.
Maitasamu said at the event that the new bag was to replace the conventional nylon and conventional jute bags that have been in use for decades.
“We are collaborating with Albasa Agritech Nigeria Ltd to promote the improved and standardized packaging using the new bag which will promote the uniformity of onion’s packaging across Nigeria.
“It will also make the Nigerian onion unique in terms of brand name and packaging globally.
“We want to sell our onion, hence will adopt the colour of the bag to be fully green.”
The NOPPMAN president explained that the new bag will bolster the preservation of onion, improve it’s shelf life and boost it’s quality.
“It will also enhance value addition for both the buyers and sellers , as boost the economy,” Maitasamu, added.
According to him, between 50 to 60 percent of the over 1.4 million tons of onion produced in Nigeria is lost to post harvest.
“It is now expected to be reduced to between 30 to 40 percent, just as a lot of post harvest losses were recorded on transit.”
The Head, Sokoto Smarts Office of the Nigeria Exports Promotion Council (NEPC), Ahmed Yahayya commended the association for the feat.
“Using Bagco bag to package onion is not convenient and the new bag is a wonderful idea.
“It will help in standardizing the weight, size and width of the bag from the usual 59 to 80 kgs, to about 50kgs.
“The conventional bag has no fixed weight, but with the new bag, both the seller and buyer will earn more value for their money.”
